Correct stance indication device

ABSTRACT

An indication device for instructing a predetermined golf swing action, or for instructing a predetermined stance during skiing, includes inserts  1, 6, 10, 22  which are adapted and which can be located in use to provide a tactile indication to the user that a predetermined stance has been maintained or deviated from. In the case of golf, the device is particularly adapted such that when not swinging, no such tactile indication to the golfer is provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an indication device that findsparticular application in various sports and hobbies. For example, themechanism in a preferred form is adapted for interacting with one orboth feet of a golfer during a golf swing to provide a tactileindication to the golfer that either or both feet are maintainingrecommended positions. The mechanism in another form can be used by asnow-skier in a ski-boot to ensure that body weight is forward in theboot. The invention will be described primarily with reference to itsuse in golf and snow-skiing, but it should be appreciated that theinvention may also find applications in other sports where correctstances are required and/or where predetermined weight transfer isnecessary (eg. during a tennis serve, during a hockey swing, during abaseball swing, etc).

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is known in the game of golf that the correct transfer of bodyweight between the front and back feet during a golf swing is importantin generating power and accuracy, and hence the distance travelled ofthe struck golf ball resulting from the golf swing.

[0003] Golf requires a correct grip of the golf club, the correctposture at the commencement of the swing, and the correct alignment ofthe body relative to the target line.

[0004] It is generally agreed that another important aspect of asuccessful golf swing is the manner in which weight is transferredbetween the front and back feet during the back swing, forward swing andfollow through of the swing.

[0005] Devices, apparatus and systems are known which generallyconstrain or orient one or both feet of a golfer in predeterminedorientations during the swing. However, these devices are oftenuncomfortable, cumbersome, non-portable, expensive, and/or unnatural touse. Also, many of the existing methods, devices and apparatus arecorrective devices rather than being instructional.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,226 shows a training apparatus for a golferwhich assists the golfer to hold the golfer's head steady during theswing. Two thin flexible rods project outwardly from a stand and arepositionable against opposing sides of the golfer's head. GB 2,305,130discloses a golfer's wrist pronation indicator, being a watch-likedevice which is fitted to a golfer's wrist and monitors undesirablemovements of the wrist during the playing of a golf shot.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,989 discloses a sport's training deviceparticularly intended for use by golfers. The device comprises a pair ofshoe inserts which are inserted into the heel area of the golfer's shoe.The upper surface of each insert has a tactile indicating memberpositioned in the heel area and disposed towards the inner edge of theinsert. A major problem with this type of insert is that it provides apermanent tactile indication, and thus the golfer's feet becomedesensitised to the device, often after a very short period of time.Thus, the device fails to provide the necessary tactile indication toinstruct the golfer that the swing has deviated from accepted norms.

[0008] In the sport of snow-skiing, it is widely accepted that foroptimum performance and control of the skis, a human user's centre ofgravity should be centred over the skis. Modern snow-skis includebindings that are positioned in the back half of each ski (ie. offsetrearwardly from the centre of gravity of each ski). A user's ski-bootsare then fastened in those bindings.

[0009] In use, the user's centre of gravity only becomes centred overhis/her skis when they lean forward in their boots (ie. so that eachshin presses against the inside front portion (tongue) of theski-boots). This forward leaning is in part required due to the offsetof the bindings and is further facilitated by the user bending his/herlegs at the knees and at the ankles.

[0010] Optimum ski performance during either traversing or when skiingforwardly down a slope is further enhanced by ensuring that the skier'sbody weight is directly over the inside edge of the most downhill ski.

[0011] Optimum positioning during skiing ensures proper “edging” of theskis and greater precision and performance in general. By way ofcontrast, when users lean back in their boots, they become lesscontrolled, travel at more erratic speeds and become more prone toaccidents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an indicationdevice for instructing a predetermined golf swing action, the devicebeing adapted and located for interacting with the feet of a golfer suchthat during the golf swing it provides a tactile indication to thegolfer's feet to assist in maintaining the predetermined golf swingaction, but such that when not swinging it provides no such tactileindication to the golfer's feet.

[0013] Such device is to be contrasted with the tactile indicatingmember 40 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,989 which provides a tactile sensationto the golfer during all actions, including actions other than swinging,such as walking. Thus, the user's feet quickly become desensitised tothe member 40 and the device becomes ineffectual.

[0014] The tactile indication provided during the swing in accordancewith the present invention may either be provided when the user's feetassume a correct stance and/or assume an incorrect stance. However, itis most preferred that a tactile indication is provided to a user when acorrect stance is assumed to psychologically reinforce this stance tothe user.

[0015] When the terminology “predetermined golf swing” is used in thepresent specification, for a right-handed golfer (left-handed being theopposite), it typically refers to a configuration wherein during theback swing at least the right foot/shoe of the golfer remainssubstantially flat with respect to the ground; and/or a configurationwherein during the swing follow through the right toes of the golferpoint generally towards the ground, and/or the outside portion of theleft foot has rolled over laterally and outwardly.

[0016] Of course, where the device is used for other sports/activitiesthen the predetermined stance would be different according to thesport/activity.

[0017] Preferably the device includes one or more inserts adapted forplacement in specific locations in relation to the user's feet. Thus,the inserts can be provided in:

[0018] the or each shoe of a user; and/or in

[0019] the or each sock of a user.

[0020] The inserts can be one or more parts of a hook and loop fasteningsystem (such as manufactured under the trade mark Velcro®).

[0021] Alternatively the inserts can be formed from a deformablepolymeric material. In either case, the inserts need to be capable ofbeing sensed tactilely by the or each foot of the user during the swing.

[0022] Typically the inserts are located and adapted to provide apsychologically positive tactile indication to the user that the feethave generally maintained a predetermined stance during swinging. Theexpression “psychologically positive tactile indication” hereinafterrefers to the mental acknowledgment induced in the user that the feethave generally maintained the predetermined stance. Thus the inserts arelocated and/or adapted to be generally passive when not in use (eg. whenthe user is not swinging).

[0023] In an ideal golf swing, the only points of pressure that a usershould experience are those in the user's feet. The applicant hasthrough rigorous experimentation identified four points of pressure in agolfer's feet during correct weight transfer. Two of these points arerealised during the back swing and forward swing through to the point ofball impact, and two of these are realised during the swingfollow-through.

[0024] Preferably for a right-handed golfer (whereas the oppositeapplies for a left-handed user), on the right foot:

[0025] (a) an insert is positioned to be located under the right foot inthe arch and immediately in front of the heal pad of the foot; and/or

[0026] (b) an insert is positioned to be located at the lateral side ofthe right big toe to extend to and also be located in front of the tipof the big toe; and on the left foot:

[0027] (c) an insert is positioned to be located under the left foot inthe arch and immediately behind the ball of the foot; and/or

[0028] (d) an insert is positioned to be located laterally at theoutside of the left foot and adjacent to the heel.

[0029] The applicant has discovered that the positioning of the insertsat locations (a) and (c) are optimal for sensing the two pressure pointsthat are realised during the back swing and forward swing until ballimpact. The applicant has discovered that the positioning of the insertsat locations (b) and (d) are optimal for sensing the pressure pointsthat are realised during the swing follow through.

[0030] The inserts used at (a) and (c) are typically relatively moreabrasive (sharp) than the inserts used at (b) and (d) (which aretypically less abrasive (soft) pads). In this regard, the abrasivenesscan be applied by employing an insert formed from the hook or loopportion of a Velcro® fastening system, whereas the soft pad can beformed from a foamed polymeric material (eg. polyurethane or a coveredportion of a Velcro® system). However, multiple combinations of sharpand soft materials are possible (as described hereafter).

[0031] Typically, the inserts at (a) and (c) provide a positiveindication that the correct swing stance has been maintained during thebackswing and forward swing up to ball impact (ie. where a user shouldbe effectively “pressing down” with the base of the feet (as has beendescribed in the art, at the “inside edges” of the feet and not rollingover). The pressing down “activates” inserts (a) and (c) to provide anappropriate tactile sensation to the user.

[0032] Thus, the inserts in (a) and (c) are located and/or adapted suchthat they are only activated during the pressing down which occursduring the golf swing, but are otherwise typically passive.

[0033] Typically, the inserts at (b) and (d) provide a positiveindication that the correct swing stance has been achieved in the swingfollow-through (ie. where a user has transferred the majority of bodyweight from the right to the left foot, so that the left foot rolls overoutwards (slightly) and the right foot heel lifts so that the toes pointdownwardly (primarily pressing down at the big toe).

[0034] Alternatively, the inserts can be located and adapted to providea psychologically negative tactile indication to the user that the feethave generally deviated from the predetermined stance during the golfswing. The expression “psychologically negative tactile indication”hereinafter refers to the mental acknowledgment in the user that thefeet have generally deviated or moved from the predetermined stance.Again, the inserts are located and/or adapted to be passive when not inuse.

[0035] In this alternative arrangement, and preferably for aright-handed golfer (whereas the opposite applies for a left-handeduser):

[0036] (i) one or more inserts can be positioned adjacent to the outerside of the user's right foot for engagement by the outside portion ofthe right foot during the back swing; and/or

[0037] (ii) one or more inserts can be positioned under the user's leftfoot to be adjacent to the arch thereof for engagement by the arch ofthe user's left foot during the swing follow through.

[0038] Insert (i) indicates that the user has rolled over the right foot(laterally outwards) during the backswing (which is undesirable) and canalso indicate that the user's weight is still on the right foot duringthe forward swing and follow through (ie. that the user has failed totransfer weight—which is undesirable).

[0039] Insert (ii) indicates that the user is still pressing down on theleft foot during the swing follow through (ie. the user is remainingflat footed and is not allowing the left foot to roll laterally outwardsat follow through—again which is undesirable).

[0040] In a second aspect the present invention provides an indicationdevice for instructing a predetermined stance during skiing, the devicebeing adapted and located for interacting with the feet/legs of a skiersuch that in use it provides a tactile indication to the skier'sfeet/legs that indicates that the predetermined stance has beenmaintained or deviated from.

[0041] When the terminology “predetermined stance” is employed in thepresent specification in relation to snow-skiing, it refers to theconfiguration wherein one and preferably both shins are urged towardsthe front (typically defined by the tongue) of a respective ski-boot inuse.

[0042] Preferably the device of the second aspect employs inserts havinga configuration similar to those inserts as per the first aspect of theinvention, although for skiing the insert location with reference to auser's feet or legs is typically different.

[0043] Typically the inserts are located to provide a psychologicallypositive tactile indication to a skier, and are located and/or adaptedto be generally passive when not in use.

[0044] Preferably, for skiing:

[0045] (1) an insert is positioned to be located under each foot in thearch and immediately behind the ball of each foot; and/or

[0046] (2) an insert is positioned to be located in front the user'sshins on each leg.

[0047] The inserts (1) and (2) are typically abrasive (sharp) and inthis regard the abrasiveness can be applied by employing an insertformed from the hook loop portion of a Velcro® fastening system, or froman insert having integrally formed protrusions such as nodules, etc.

[0048] In this preferred insert arrangement for skiing, the inserts at(1) are positioned to correspond with a pressure point that occurs inthe foot when the user leans forward in a ski boot (the desiredposition). Similarly, for position (2) the user's shin is pressedforward in the boot so that insert is sensed by the user at the shin.

[0049] In some arrangements, inserts may even be positioned behind eachheel of a skier, which are again engaged by the user's heel when theuser leans forward.

[0050] Inserts may also be located and adapted to provide apsychologically negative tactile indication to a skier, indicating thatthe feet/legs have generally deviated from the predetermined stanceduring skiing (ie. when the user leans back in the boots).

[0051] In this latter arrangement, the inserts are typically positioned:

[0052] (i) behind each user's lower calf muscle for engagement by a userwhen leaning back; and/or

[0053] (ii) above the user's toes or front feet portions for engagementtherewith when the user's foot moves generally upwardly in the boot whenthe user is leaning backwards.

[0054] The positioning of the inserts in this latter arrangement rapidlyindicates to the user that there has been a deviation from thepredetermined stance.

[0055] Various combinations of sharp and soft inserts can be employed insocks and shoes/boots to achieve differing effects for different userrequirements, different feet shape, desired comfort levels etc.Preferably the inserts are incorporated into the user's socks for easeof use, versatility, etc.

[0056] The inserts are each typically a flat article (eg. in the form ofa strip). When the insert is a hook and loop fastening system (ie. aVelcro® system), preferably either the hook or loop half is used on itsown to provide the relatively more abrasive (sharp) sensation. If eitherindividual half gives rise to sensitivities, then it can be covered inuse by the opposite half to provide a softer, less harsh indication.

[0057] In a further alternative, a flat article having a plurality ofintegrally formed protrusions that face and extend into the body part inuse can be employed. The density of this article can be selected suchthat the protrusions are sensed tactilely by the user only when apredetermined force is exerted thereon.

[0058] Insert polymeric material can include foamed or unfoamed:

[0059] polyurethane, polyester and poly(aminoether), polyethylene,polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinylchloride, polyacrylamide, vinylacetate copolymer, polyolefins, poly acrylobutadinestyrene etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scopeof the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0061]FIG. 1 shows a plan view of one type of preferred insert accordingto the invention;

[0062]FIG. 2 shows a side view of the insert of FIG. 1;

[0063]FIG. 3 shows a plan view of an alternative preferred insertaccording to the present invention;

[0064]FIG. 4 shows a side view of the insert of FIG. 3;

[0065]FIG. 5 shows a plan view of another type of insert according tothe invention;

[0066]FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a further type of insert according tothe invention;

[0067]FIG. 7 shows a sectional side elevation taken through the insertof FIG. 5 along the line 7-7;

[0068]FIG. 8 shows a sectional side elevation taken. through the insertof FIG. 6 along the line 8-8;

[0069]FIG. 9 shows a schematic underside view of a right-handed golfer'sright foot showing preferred positioning of inserts according to thepresent invention;

[0070]FIG. 10 shows a schematic underside plan view of a right-handgolfer's left foot showing preferred positioning of an insert accordingto the present invention;

[0071]FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view through askier's boot showing preferred positioning of inserts according to thepresent invention when used in the sport of snow-skiing; and

[0072]FIG. 12 shows an enlarged schematic representation of analternative insert when positioned under a user's toe arch.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an insert in the form of a generallyflat Velcro® pad half 1 includes a base 2 having a plurality of loops 3formed thereon in a number of rows 4. Each loop has a rounded end and isselected to be sufficiently resilient (stiff) to be sensed by a user inuse (as explained hereafter). Free end regions 5 enable the pad to beattached to a shoe, sock, insole etc through stitching, adhesion orother suitable means.

[0074] The pad 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 finds particular application in a widevariety of sports, but especially golf and snow-skiing, and is mostsuitable for use in the shoe or boot of the user, but is most preferablyincorporated into socks of a user. The employment of loops (as opposedto the hooks of a Velcro® system, or a soft deformable pad) is found tobe beneficial when the body region to be contacted is the foot or lowerleg, because the loops provide an adequate tactile indication to theuser without becoming uncomfortable. This is especially so with thefoot, which can be sensitive in some regions and less sensitive in otherregions.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a type of soft polymeric pad 6 isshown. This pad includes end regions 7 and upper and lower halves 8, 9.Pad 6 is more likely to be employed to engage against body parts whichdo not require a loop stimulation (eg. in very sensitive foot regions).The pad 6 can also be textured in various ways as appropriate to aidtactile stimulation.

[0076] End regions 7 can be attached (eg. stitched 7A, adhered etc) tosocks, shoes, boots etc. Further, upper half 8 can be formed of amaterial having eg. a different density, porosity or othercharacteristics to lower half 9, which may be eg. relatively moreflexible than upper half 8 etc. Thus differing tactile, breathing,absorbent and other affects can be achieved with the pad by varyingthese regions. Upper half 8 may also carry a lining 8A formed from anatural material eg woven cotton or linen cloth, for satisfactory skincontact.

[0077] Typically the pad 6 is formed from a foamed polymeric material,such as polyurethane, polyester, poly(amino ether), polyethylene etc.Other polymers that may be used for pad 6 include polyethylene,polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyvinylchloride, polyacrylamide,vinyl acetate copolymer, polyolefins, poly acrylobutadinestyrene etc.

[0078] The pad 6 can be injection moulded or foam moulded.Alternatively, the pads 1 and 6 can be joined (eg. moulded together) toform a composite pad for use in various related or different sportingapplications and hobbies. In the composite pad, the foam pad 6 may alsobe subsequently attached to pad 1 after being injection or foam mouldeditself.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7 an insert in the form of agenerally flat pad 10 includes a base 14 having a plurality of nodules16 formed thereon (and typically integral therewith). Each nodule has arounded end which is adapted to be sensed by a user's body part in use.Free end regions 20 enable the pad to be attached to a shoe, sock, gloveinsole etc through stitching, adhesion or other suitable means.

[0080] The pad 10 of FIGS. 5 and 7 finds particular application insnow-skiing, and is most suitable for use in the boot of the user. Theemployment of nodules is found to be beneficial when the body region tobe contacted is an insensitive part of the foot or lower leg, becausethe nodules provide a stimulating tactile indication to the user. Thisis also the case with certain parts of the foot, which can be relativelyless sensitive than other parts of the body.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, a pad 22 similar to pad 6 is shown.This pad includes flat end regions 24 and raised elongated strip 26.Again, pad 22 can be employed to engage against body parts which do notrequire a nodule-type or Velcro®-type stimulation. Again, the raisedregion 26 can be scalloped, for example, to engage a curved surf ace(eg. a foot arch) or may be textured in other ways as appropriate.

[0082] The pad 22 can also be formed from a foamed polymeric material.Typically the pad 10 is formed from an unfoamed polymeric material whichis relatively resilient. Suitable polymers for pad 10 includepolyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyvinyichioride,polyacrylamide, vinyl acetate copolymer, polyolefins, polyacrylobutadinestyrene etc.

[0083] The pad 10 can be injection moulded, whereas the pad 22 can befoam moulded. Again, the pads 10 and 22 can be joined (eg. mouldedtogether) to form a composite pad for use in other applications. In thecomposite pad, the foam pad 22 may also be subsequently attached to pad10 after being injection or foam moulded itself. A further alternativepad is described below (FIG. 12).

[0084] A description of FIGS. 9 and 10 will now be made but withreference to the game of golf and to a right-handed golfer. It should beappreciated that the situation is analogous but opposite for aleft-handed golfer (and different arrangements would be required inother sports).

[0085]FIGS. 9 and 10 show respectively right sock 32 and left sock 34within a pair of shoes 36 (ie. in underside view).

[0086] One preferred use of pad 1 is to arrange it (eg. by attachment offree end regions 5) within right and left socks 32, 34. Referring toFIG. 9, a preferred arrangement includes incorporating as fastening pad1 within sock 32 so that it is adjacent to and generally in front of theright heel pad of the foot of a golfer when the sock is pulled on and sothat it is immediately adjacent to and within a rear region of the rightfoot arch. This is a so called “positive indication” position,indicating correct swing stance in use.

[0087] A second pad 6 is fasteningly arranged within sock 32 so that itis located at the lateral side of the right foot big toe, and extendsaround to the front (tip) of that toe of the golfer when the sock ispulled on.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 10, a pad 1 is fasteningly arranged within leftsock 34 so that it is adjacent to the arch of the left foot and isbehind the right ball of the golfer when the sock is pulled on. A secondpad 6 is positioned to be adjacent to the lateral (outward) side of theleft heal when the golfer pulls on sock 34.

[0089] The pads are positioned so as not to intrude or to beuncomfortably sensed by the golfer when the golfer is simply walking(eg. when the golfer is not attempting the predetermined stance during agolf swing) ie. so that the pads are generally passive when not requiredfor instruction during the swing. Thus the pads do not desensitise thearea adjacent to which they are located.

[0090] It is well documented, (see for example the book by Irwin, Hale:“Play Better Golf”, 1980 Octopus Books Limited), that during the backswing of the golf club, a golfer typically anchors his weight (up to60%) above the right foot and the whole of the golfer's upper bodymovement tends to pivot around the right leg. In particular the golfer'sbody weight tends to be concentrated in a line running down the insideof the right leg of the golfer. The anchoring of the golfer's right footenables energy generated by the back swing and the rotation of thegolfer's hips and shoulders to be stored within the golfer's body. Thisstorage is further facilitated by a slight and characteristic flexing ofthe right knee.

[0091] The location of the pad 1 at the right foot is such that, duringthe desirable weight anchoring of the right foot as immediatelydescribed above, pressure points are realised in the golfer's right andleft feet. The presence of the loops 3 are then sensed tactilely by thegolfer in the right arch adjacent to the heel end in the left archadjacent to the ball. This provides a positive and immediate affirmationto the golfer that he is maintaining his right foot in a recommendedposition during the backswing.

[0092] It is generally surmised (Irwin, Hale above) that, at the top ofthe back swing, 60% of the golfer's weight is on the inside of the rightfoot and 40% is on the inside of the left foot. Thus, it is desirablethat the back swing pivots around firm and flexed right and left legs,with the major portion of the golfer's weight not moving further backthan being centred over the inside of the right foot. The right arch pad1 and left pad 1 have been located to provide an indication to thegolfer that such deviations are not occurring and that the weight isproperly distributed.

[0093] As can be seen, the pads “diagonally” oppose each other acrossthe space between right and left feet, and this corresponds with thedevelopment of pressure points resulting from the upper body weightshift (ie. the turning of the hips and shoulders during the backswing).

[0094] Thus the pads 1 prove to the golfer that it is the hips andshoulders that have turned. This then provides for an accuratecontrolled swing and maintains the position of the club head through theswing (ie. to be the same at address, at the top of the swing and againat golf ball contact).

[0095] Immediately after the golf club has reached the top of the swing,the golfer begins the characteristic down swing portion of the golfswing. In a correct swing, the golfer's weight and swing momentum shouldthen be transferred from the right leg to the left leg and thus from theright to the left foot. If the weight is not transferred properly fromthe right to the left foot, (in a large part determined by propermovement in the feet), then a large proportion of the latent powergenerated by the swing will be lost, and there will be a decrease inclub speed at impact. The pads 1 continue to indicate proper weightdistribution during the downswing and up until ball contact.

[0096] At and after the point of impact of the golf club with the golfball, the golfer's weight progressively shifts to the outside of theleft foot, which eventually laterally rolls over towards the completionof the swing. The golfer's hips and shoulders now start to rotatetowards the target and the golf club head follows. The golf swing is nowin the “follow through” mode and if swing power is to be maintained thegolfer's weight needs to be properly transferred. The lateral outsideportion of the left foot should continue rolling over laterally, and thegolfer's right foot should lift and turn so that, ultimately, the toesof the golfer's right foot are pointing at approximately 90° towards theground.

[0097] Immediate and positive affirmation that these two latterfunctions of the left and right foot have been correctly performed areprovided respectively by the pad 6 positioned in front of the golfer'sright big toe, and the pad 6 positioned laterally and at the outside ofthe golfer's left foot. Thus, as the right big toe progressively pointsdownwardly towards the ground, the golfer senses in his right big toethe presence of right foot pad 6. Similarly, as the golfer's left footstarts to roll over during the down swing/follow through, the golferalso senses the presence of the left foot pad 6. This also proves to thegolfer that body weight has been transferred from right to left.

[0098] If the golfer ensures that the shift of weight between the rightand left feet is properly enacted, then it is difficult for any otherpart of the body to get out of position and out of rhythm. Equally ifthe balance of the feet is correct, the swing becomes more balanced,(Irwin, Hale above). Thus the inserts can be used to enhance golf playerperformance.

[0099] In addition or as an alternative to the composite padarrangements shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, which provide a positiveaffirmation to the golfer that his feet have assumed the predeterminedstance during the golf swing, further pads may be positioned whichprovide a tactile stimulus to the golfer indicating that he has deviatedfrom the predetermined stance.

[0100] For example, a common deviation from the predetermined stanceoccurs during the back swing when the golfer tends to roll laterallyover onto the outside of his right foot. Thus, a different pad can beprovided adjacent to the region 38 (eg. such as pad 1, 6, 10 or 22).

[0101] A further common deviation from the predetermined stance occursduring the follow through when the golfer inadvertently maintains weightalong the inside of his left leg, and does not allow the characteristiclateral rolling over of the left foot. This tendency can be sensed bypositioning a pad (eg. pad 1, 6, 10 or 22) in region 40 in the arch ofthe left foot.

[0102] However, it is most preferred that either one set of positivelypositioned pads or one set of negatively positioned pads are employed soas to not confuse the golfer with a plethora of incoming tactile sensorysignals.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 11, a schematic cross-section through aski-boot 50 is shown. The ski-boot is shown fixed to bindings 52 of aski 54.

[0104] The ski-boot includes, as is usual, a tongue 56 against which theshin S of a user's leg L can engage.

[0105] A pad 1, 6, 10 or 22 (as described above) can be arranged on thetongue in a position that would be engaged by the shin when the user'sleg is leaning forward. Alternatively, this pad may be positioned in auser's sock adjacent to the shin.

[0106] It is also preferred that a pad 1 is arranged in the arch of eachuser's foot, immediately behind the ball of each foot, (ie. in a similarposition for the left foot of a golfer). This pad is engaged by theuser's arch when leaning forward, and typically an abrasive, (hook orloop fastening-type pad is employed). This pad, and the pad on thetongue, provide positive indication to the user that the correct stance(ie. leaning forward in the boot) is being maintained.

[0107] An (optionally) different pad 1, 10′ can be arranged at a backportion of the boot to be engaged by the calf of a user's leg when theuser is leaning back (ie. to provide a negative indication to the user).

[0108] Furthermore, a pad 1, 10″ can be positioned above a user's toes(or front-foot region), again for engagement by the toes as the userleans back (ie. where the feet move upwardly in and relative to theboot). The pads 10′ and 10″ provide an indication to the user that theyare not positioning their weight properly in the boot and over the skis.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 12, a different type of insert is shown in theform of a hook and loop fastening system 60. The system includes a hookbase 62 and a loop cover 64 (shown partially peeled back to reveal base62). The a system is generally known as a Velcro® system.

[0110] The system 60 is shown positioned under the arch of the big toe Tbut can be similarly used in other positions (as described) above. Thesystem can be attached to socks or fitted in shoes etc. The systemproves to a skier that they are leaning forward in their boots (thedesirable configuration) ie. the users toes are pressing down.

[0111] In one mode of use, the system is used only with the hook base 62(ie. with the loop cover 64 being removed altogether). Thus, theplurality of small hooks in the base provide the necessary tactileindication to the user (eg. at the toe arch). However, if this is tooagitating or uncomfortable for the user, then the loop cover 64 can bereattached to base 62 to provide a softer pad (ie. akin to pad 22).Alternatively, the system can be used solely with the cover 64, takingadvantage of the softer loop portions of the system.

[0112] Thus, the hook and loop fastening system 60 provides flexibilityof use. Also, the base 62 (or cover 64) can be readily attached tosocks, shoes etc (being flexible and therefore easily attached throughsewing, adhesive etc).

[0113] Typically the pads 10, 10′, 10″, 60 are arranged in the socks ofa user, rather than fitting to the boot itself, or alternatively theycan be provided in an insert of some type which is arranged within theboot prior to the user fitting the boot thereto.

[0114] Generally, the pads 1, 6, 10, 22 can be seamlessly incorporatedinto socks, shoes, boots etc (with Velcro® pads being alignable withand/or extendible through the stitching thereof). The inserts can beformed directly at the time of weaving, or may be separately attached.The pads can be located both inside and/or outside the sock. Differingdegrees of tactile indication (eg. degrees of sharpness) can beemployed, and inside/outside location may be predetermined by a user'sindividual foot construction (eg. users with a high instep may selectsocks with an internal arch pad, whereas users with a low instep (flatfooted people) may select socks with an external arch pad).

[0115] The employment of inserts such as the pads described above alsoenables existing sporting apparatus to be simply modified so that it canbe used both as an educational or immediate instructive tool (eg. duringgolf and ski coaching). The inserts can thus offer immediate feedback toall users, from beginners to professionals, throughout the entire golfgame or ski session etc.

[0116] Also, various combinations of tactile indications can beemployed, such as sharp, abrasive, soft or even hot and cold (eg. padshaving encapsulated fluid for heating/cooling by the body or by aseparate source).

[0117] Because many users do not have sufficient time to practise, thepreferred embodiments described above at least provide an immediatefeedback to the user which may shorten and in some cases obviate theneed for extensive or regular practise sessions. The various embodimentsdescribed above also address educationally and intuitively fundamentalaspects of the sport under consideration, including the mechanism andsensing of weight transfer during a swing, during travel etc.

[0118] Inserts, such as the pads described above, can be affixed to oneor both socks or to one or both shoes or boots, or other articles ofclothing as dependent upon the sport or activity. In some situations,the inserts may be directly attached to a user's body part (particularlyin a coaching or training environment).

[0119] Whilst the invention has been described with reference to anumber of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that theinvention can be embodied in many other forms.

1. An indication device for instructing a predetermined golf swingaction, the device being adapted and located for interacting with thefeet of a golfer such that during the golf swing it provides a tactileindication to the golfer's feet to assist in maintaining thepredetermined golf swing action, but such that when not swinging itprovides no such tactile indication to the golfer's feet.
 2. A device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein during the swing the tactile indicationoccurs when the user's feet assume a correct stance, and/or assume anincorrect stance.
 3. An indication device for instructing apredetermined stance during skiing, the device being adapted and locatedfor interacting with the feet/legs of a skier such that in use itprovides a tactile indication to the skier's feet/legs that indicatesthat the predetermined stance has been maintained or deviated from.
 4. Adevice as claimed in any one of the preceding claims that includes oneor more inserts adapted for placement in specific locations in relationto the user's feet/legs.
 5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein theinserts are provided in the shoes/boots of a user, and/or in the socksof a user.
 6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 5,wherein, for a right handed golfer, on the right foot: (a) an insert ispositioned to be located under the right foot in the arch andimmediately in front of the heel pad of the foot; and/or (b) an insertis positioned to be located at the lateral side of the right big toe toextend to and also be located in front of the tip of the big toe; and onthe left foot: (c) an insert is positioned to be located under the leftfoot in the arch and immediately behind the ball of the foot; and/or (d)an insert is positioned to be located laterally at the outside of theleft foot and adjacent to the heel.
 7. A device as claimed in any one ofclaims 3 to 5, wherein for skiing, (1) an insert is positioned to belocated under each foot in the arch and immediately behind the ball ofeach foot; and/or (2) an insert is positioned to be in front of theuser's shins on each legs.
 8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 4to 7, wherein the insert is one or more parts of a hook and loopfastening system; and/or formed from a deformable polymeric material. 9.An indication device for instructing a predetermined golf swing action,or a predetermined stance during skiing, substantially as hereindescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.